Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Three Months With Chapman

Three short months ago, we walked into the lobby of a government building in Shanxi, China, and there, after seven months of paper chasing and praying for her, we finally got to lay eyes on our Chapman as she toddled into the room to greet us.  It is simply amazing to see a picture that you have stared at and studied for months come to life right before your eyes.  
Three months ago, this baby girl knew nothing of the life that awaited her and she really knew absolutely none of the love that was about to be bestowed upon her!  A mommy, a daddy, two brothers, three sisters, four grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. etc. etc.
Little by little, she has been introduced to all of the above....and three months in, she is saying, "Hi!" and "Bye, Bye!" to all who will listen.  And she still has the most angelic little voice when she speaks!
Three months in and these two sisters are learning love and jealousy are two very strong emotions! Ha! Maryn truly adores Chapman and uses the sweetest little voice when she is trying to calm her or play with her....on the same hand, Maryn is not so sure about sharing her mommy with this sweet girl just yet.  So, we spend quite a bit of time on the floor with both girls on my lap!  Or, when out and about, if both girls need to be held, I hold them both.  Anything to keep them from melting! And especially anything will be done to keep them feeling safe, secure and loved!
Three months in, and this girl is full speed ahead.  Chapman had surgery to untether her spinal cord on October 19.  I am so happy to report that she has regained all of her mobility back and then some! This girl is a busy one!  And, as always, we tell the children to please put away everything they treasure, even candy, because Chapman is curious about anything and all that is within her reach.  In the picture above, Chapman had gone into one brother's room, retrieved a pack of candy....I knew this and totally underestimated her ability to get the candy open.....but this girl was determined and she opened the bag and inhaled the goods!  Skittles are yummy!
Three months in, and try as we might to get a good napping schedule going, it just isn't a real possibility.  So, this lady naps mostly in the car as we shuttle this brother, or that sister, or all of the above to and fro!  Thankfully, she doesn't seem to mind and she sleeps 11-12 hours each night!  
Three months in and we were sure for her to meet Mr. Noah.  Noah is such a light in our lives and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit with him and his two big brothers for a few hours over the Thanksgiving holidays!
Three months in and this girl loves being in the kitchen!  Our bookends remind us of one another.....Colin was always into my pots and pans at this age while this little Miss is all about some good Tupperware. 
Three months in and our sweet girl is all about trying on clothes whether they belong to her or not!  Dress up, hand-me-downs, big sister's clothes, shoes, shoes and shoes!  She loves it all!
And she thinks footie pajamas are pretty amazing too!
Three months in and we have decided she is definitely a keeper....she is the cutest, sweetest, most willing little laundry helper around!  
Three months in and she has seen all of the toys we have to offer so she has moved on to getting into things that aren't necessarily toys yet make lots of fun to play with anyway, like shoeboxes!
Three months in and this little one is experiencing life as a two year old should.  She reaches out to me each morning to hold her until she is fully awake, when she calls out for "Mama" she knows I am going to answer her every wish and command, when she wants to play, we play; when she is tired, this little one cuddles up on my shoulder and drifts off to sleep; when she is hurt, she looks for me to calm her and kiss her boo-boo; we know what makes her laugh, we know her favorite foods, we know what is going to scare her and we know exactly how to comfort her. 
 Three months ago we met a very emotionless little girl...she came to us without any hesitation though she knew nothing of who we were.  Can you imagine?! 
Three months in and we can't imagine life without our Chapman!
She is a gift to us, a beautiful little gift.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above...."
James 1:17